We were lucky to catch up with Camille Bates recently and have shared our conversation below.
Camille, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever had any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
Focus on the positive. Achieve those “easy”, “quick” wins. Make a decision–“I’m doing this!” You have the creativity in your mind for a reason. Don’t hold back. Start somewhere.
If I don’t know what to write, create, or simply do, I just do. I figure it out. I start somewhere. Start by writing anything that comes to mind. Eventually, the block will get broken down!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the Marketing & Communications Manager for Midwest Animal Rescue & Services (MARS), a Twin Cities–based nonprofit dedicated to saving animals and supporting the people who love them.
What excites me most about this work is that it blends heart and strategy—every campaign, event, and piece of communication has a direct impact on lives. One day I might be working on a fundraiser that helps cover critical surgeries, and the next I’m designing a community adoption event that matches a senior dog with their forever family. It’s rewarding to see the way small actions ripple outward and truly change outcomes for both pets and people.
What makes MARS special is that we don’t just rescue—we also operate a nonprofit veterinary clinic that makes care affordable and accessible. That means families who might otherwise struggle to keep their pets can stay together. It’s a mission that’s both urgent and hopeful, and I feel proud to help carry it forward.
Right now, we’re entering an exciting new chapter. After successfully raising $100K this summer to sustain our work, we’ve launched “Chapter 2: New Beginnings”—an effort focused on building a stronger monthly giving program, upgrading our donor and volunteer software, and expanding our clinic’s services. We also have several community events on the horizon, from adoption mixers to brewery fundraisers, that bring people and pets together in fun and memorable ways.
At the end of the day, my focus is making sure our community sees themselves as part of this story—because they are. Everything we do is powered by people who care, and my job is to connect those people to the impact they’re making.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I think three things have been most impactful in my journey:
1. Adaptability. In rescue work and nonprofit management, no two days look the same. Learning to pivot quickly, problem-solve on the fly, and stay calm when plans change has been essential. My advice is to lean into the unexpected instead of resisting it—you’ll build resilience and confidence with every challenge.
2. Communication. Whether it’s rallying donors, guiding a team, or writing to adopters, being able to share information clearly and with heart makes all the difference. For those starting out, practice both listening and storytelling. The best communicators don’t just talk; they connect.
3. Strategic Creativity. I’ve learned that great ideas only matter if they’re tied to purpose and outcomes. The ability to think creatively while also grounding projects in data, goals, and long-term vision has helped me move MARS forward in meaningful ways. For anyone developing this skill, start by asking “why does this matter?” and “who does this serve?” before you dive into the “how.”
My overall advice is: don’t wait until you feel “ready.” The best growth happens when you step into opportunities before you’re 100% sure you’ve mastered everything. Stay curious, keep learning, and remember that impact comes from progress, not perfection.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do at MARS. The bigger and more connected our community is, the more pets and people we can help. We’ve seen this in so many ways—whether it’s a local brewery hosting a fundraiser, a company inviting us in for corporate puppy cuddles, or community partners sharing their space for adoption events. Each partnership adds a piece to the puzzle, and together those pieces create real change.
Rescue work can feel overwhelming at times because the needs never stop—but the beauty is, none of us carries it alone. When businesses, fosters, donors, and neighbors come together, we not only meet the needs in front of us, we build hope for the future.
If you’re reading this and feel inspired to collaborate, we’d love to hear from you—reach out to us on social media or email us at [email protected], and you can also learn more about our mission at www.midwestanimalrescue.org.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.midwestanimalrescue.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midwestanimalrescue/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MidwestAnimalRescue
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-animal-rescue-&-services/
Image Credits
Camille B, Reese R, Joe C.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
